New Delhi: India has announced a 30 day extension for visas and e visas of foreign nationals currently stranded in the country due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Authorities said the measure is intended to assist travellers who are unable to leave because of flight disruptions and regional instability.
According to the Consulate General of India, Dubai, visas that are expiring or set to expire soon will be extended for one month without any charges. The extension will be processed through the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Office to ensure that affected travellers can remain in the country legally until normal travel resumes.
Officials also confirmed that penalties for overstaying visas will be waived for those affected by the crisis if the overstay occurred after February 28. The decision aims to ensure that foreign nationals do not face legal consequences for delays beyond their control.
In addition, exit permits required for departing travellers will be issued free of cost so that stranded individuals can leave the country once international travel routes reopen. Authorities clarified that if travellers are unable to apply for visa extensions or exit permits due to the disruptions, it will not be treated as a violation of immigration rules.
The government has also announced that Temporary Landing Permits will be granted without charge to foreign nationals whose flights are diverted to India due to the conflict. This will allow them to remain in the country legally until they can continue their journey.
The measures come as tensions escalate following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.
The crisis has disrupted air travel across several countries, including Qatar. Nearly 500 Indian nationals recently travelled from Doha to Kochi and other destinations on flights operated by Qatar Airways, even as the country’s airspace remains only partially open with limited flight operations.
The conflict has also affected global energy routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage through which roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported.
